First, I fully understand this is a heated topic. The intent is not to argue, but to generate a discussion. A discussion can not be had when we get caught in an us vs. them mentality. The right thing to do is be willing to talk, and compromise in order to create a viable solution.
This policy would create more clear language about how/when abortion care should be allowed. Instead of arguing that it should be all or none, the policy would seek to compromise and find a baseline that is acceptable.
This would allow a woman the right to choose medical care for herself, including an abortion prior to reaching viability.
Viability is often discussed as being around 24 weeks, and the intent would be to keep it BEFORE viability, so I would propose a 20 week maximum. Beyond that time, the state maintains the right to determine what is best.
When faced with having no access to care, many women, especially younger women, will choose to take matters into their own hands. There should not be a time when someone should feel that they don’t have the freedom to go seek medical care for fear of repercussions. They risk their own health, and in rare cases their own lives by attempting these treatments at home or through unregulated online medications.
This is also not a religious issue. While it’s true that much of the country falls into a religious category that does not support abortion, it is unrealistic to expect everyone else to adhere to such a standard. If a Buddhist doesn’t believe abortion is wrong, then why should they be forced into a rule based on Christian morals?
Beyond setting a maximum limit of weeks (proposed 20) before the state takes over, there needs to be clearer language around when a doctor can or can not intervene. Having a doctor be forced into a choice of helping a patient or facing criminal charges will often push medical providers to wait too long before treating people. It needs to be that clear guidelines exist when a medical expert can determine that a pregnant patient needs medical intervention.
Final separate note please keep conversation around this civil and kind. While there are strong feelings on either side, there can’t be discussion and solutions if we refuse to get past name calling. Lets be the generation that decides to solve this issue, rather than passing an uglier fight down to future generations!